Peak of cedar season arrives for Central Texas

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Cedar continues to be an issue for many dealing with allergies in Central Texas, and with more than half the season left to go, many are wondering how to get relief.

It’s at this time of year when mountain cedar releases pollen, which can cause irritation to those most sensitive to it. The season typically runs from the beginning of November and lasts all the way through the beginning of March. 

Dr. John Villacis, an allergist at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, said the southwest sees cedar pollen the most.

“We’ve seen a lot of it in Central Texas, especially between San Antonio and Waco, and it’s probably some of the strongest concentration you are going to find of Cedar in the nation,” Villacis said.

The third week of December and through the third week of January is where we see the strongest concentration of the pollen overall, according to Dr. Villacis.

Weather can also play a big factor in how much pollen is up in the air.

“Those warm windy days really bring out the pollen,” Villacis said. So far, we’ve seen some trace levels. We have seen a little bit of elevation, but it hasn’t been that bad. We expect to really see the spike to occur the fourth week of December and into the first week of January, which is typically when it occurs.”

Symptoms to look out for are itchy eyes, itchy nose, along with sneezing and clear mucus. Villacis recommends anyone feeling the effects to see an allergist if necessary. 

For the latest in pollen information, be sure to visit the KXAN allergy tracker.